Gouker, with Vice-Chairman John Finfrock and board members Greg Sparrow, Bill Welty and Bruce McKinney, interviewed four candidates Thursday.

After the interviews, the ad hoc committee discussed the candidates and reached a unanimous consensus to advise Gouker that Suits should be the recommendation, the press release said.

The recommendation will be made to the full board during its meeting Tuesday.

Suits will become state’s attorney on Jan. 7 or earlier, depending on county board approval and a yet-to-be received resignation letter from current State’s Attorney John B. “Ben” Roe, a news release from Gouker said.

Roe recently was appointed, effective Jan. 7, by the Illinois Supreme Court to replace retiring Ogle County Circuit Judge Michael Mallon. Roe was appointed Nov. 8, two days after winning re-election to his third term.

The county announced Monday that it would accept applications for the position, giving a deadline of noon Wednesday.

Gouker said Wednesday the applicants were Robin Minnis, Eric Morrow and Mike Rock.

Suits, 61, is from Polo and has been a lawyer in Ogle County for at least 20 years, Gouker said.

“He had the all-around qualities of management and legal expertise,” Gouker said.

“This was a very difficult decision because Ogle County is blessed with four very highly qualified individuals, any one which could have served well the citizens of this county,” Gouker said in the news release.

Suits would serve only the remainder of the first 2 years of Roe’s 4-year term. State law then would dictate a special election Nov. 4, 2014, to fill the remaining 2 years.